Matthew and I were on the phone one night, discussing the latest episode of On The Media. The episode was pretty much the typical media watchdogging that we’ve come to expect: a long examination into the latest CIA report about Iran’s unsurprising lack of nuclear weapons and an in-depth look at the dire plight of the displaced Russian journalist (and his pet skunk).
The episode warranted discussion for one story in particular. Co-Host Bob Garfield has started a website called “Comcast Must Die.” And while I’m inclined to agree with him, I was a little concerned about the ethical ramifications of such a website when dude’s job is to report on media. Thankfully, the other host, Brooke Gladstone insisted that a story on Bob’s involvement in Comcast Must Die be run in the name of journalistic integrity and transparency.
Listen here.
Clearly, Brooke interviewed Bob only out of a sense of journalistic obligation.
Bob, however, sounded quite flustered.
The surprise–and pleasure–of being interviewed by Brooke appeared to be more than Bob’s broad shoulders could bear. Bob thanked Brooke for the interview, (quote?) but in a manner that betrayed an embarrassment born not of what might be an unseemly conflict of interest, but born instead from an intense and unrequited adolescent crush.
Post-interview, Bob gushed his thanks in a way that suggests that every time Brooke turns around, he’s right behind her, stealthily plucking the lint from her sweater to add to a DIY altar that sits in his bedroom.
Ever the chanteuse, Brooke shrugged off the adoration with a giggle that seems to imply that she’s heard it all before.
In the moment, it all made sense - Bob likes Brooke. In the pants. You can hear it, every week, when he ends the credits by sighing that the show was “edited… by Brooke.”
If this sordid love can play out every week, via radio and podcast, who knows what’s going on behind the scenes of other public radio shows we love?
This is why Radio Sweethearts is here–it is our mission to provide in-depth coverage of the probably hypothetical and potentially scandalous behind-the-scenes lives of the sexy voices that work in public radio.
It’s not all fast times at National Public High. There will be serious commentary on the best stories, most riveting reporting, and other aural goodies that can only be brought to you by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundation. And by Acura, whose all-new TL, I’ve heard, features four-wheel synergy drive.
This week’s episode was produced by the Radio Sweethearts team, written by Kerry, and edited… by Matthew.
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